Symptoms of Chlamydia

Chlamydia is a silent infection.
It's likely that you could have a
chlamydial infection
without any symptoms. Most people who don't know they are infected carry it for years. During this time, sexual contact with others can spread the infection.

If recognizable symptoms do occur, they usually appear weeks after exposure.

Symptoms in Women

Increased or abnormal vaginal discharge

Vaginal redness or irritation

Painful and frequent urination

Unusual vaginal bleeding, or bleeding between periods

Pain or bleeding during or after sex

Abdominal pain

Symptoms in Men

Purulent discharge from the penis

Burning, itchy, or painful sensation while urinating

Inflammation and pain in the scrotum

Effects of Untreated Chlamydia

If left untreated, chlamydia can have serious health consequences in both women and men.

In Women

Complications of untreated chlamydia in women include:

Pelvic inflammatory disease
(PID)—A serious infection of the reproductive tract that can lead to
infertility
, even in women who never have symptoms. If symptoms do occur, they may include pelvic pain and pain with intercourse. PID causes scar tissue, or may cause an abscess to form, in the fallopian tubes.

Ectopic pregnancy
—Scarring in the fallopian tube also increases the risk of an ectopic pregnancy. An ectopic pregnancy occurs when a fertilized egg cannot reach the uterus. It is a serious condition that may cause a rupture, bleeding, or infection inside the abdomen. A ruptured or bleeding ectopic pregnancy is considered a surgical emergency.

Abdominal inflammation—Chlamydia and
gonorrhea
may cause inflammation around the reproductive organs, the appendix, or the liver. When the liver is involved, symptoms resemble
gallbladder disease
, with fever and pain under the right ribs. This condition is called Fitz-Hugh-Curtis syndrome.

Neonatal chlamydia—Pregnant women can transmit chlamydia to their newborns during birth. This may result in
conjunctivitis
or
pneumonia
in the baby.

In Men

Complications of untreated chlamydia in men include:

Epididymitis
—An infection in the structure that surrounds and attaches to each testicle. The epididymis helps transport and store sperm cells. Symptoms include inflammation and pain in the scrotum.

Urethritis
—The inside of the urethra may become inflamed, which causes burning when passing urine. If scarring occurs, narrowing of the urethra may cause difficulty with passing urine, or block urine flow completely.

Prostatitis
—An inflammation of the prostate gland. Symptoms include pain in and around the groin and pelvis, or discomfort when urinating. It may also create flu-like symptoms, such as fever, chills, body aches, or fatigue.

In Women and Men

Complications in both genders include:

Proctitis—Chlamydial infection can spread to the rectum or begin there from anal intercourse. It can cause pain, anal discharge and bleeding, and lower abdominal cramping.

Pharyngitis—Oral sexual contact can lead to a chlamydial infection in the throat that resembles
strep throat
.

Reactive arthritis
—A triad of urethritis, arthritis, and
conjunctivitis
that appears more often in men. It is possible you may not have all 3 symptoms at the same time.

Revision Information

This content is reviewed regularly and is updated when new and relevant evidence is made available. This information is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with questions regarding a medical condition.